Im still going over some equipment ideas for my new house and wonder if anyone (JlgLaw?) can offer some insight into Ks BD performance in terms of simultaneous streams.

1. Im looking at around 12-16 zones for video, some more for audio only. Any idea the number of simultaneous HD streams the servers will handle?

2. Can multiple displays tap into the same stream or must they all use an independent stream. I ask as there are some circumstances when id like the same image shown on multiple screens in sync? If they must use independent streams can they be synced?

Thanks

Coldmachine,

for your first question the answer probably can be calculated but I think it would be better to ask K directly for this. To calculate you have to find out how many simultaneous dvd streams the K system supports on a gigabit network, find the max bitrate for a dvd and the max for a BD and compare them. But I think it would be best to wait for K to sort out the BD issues and then ask them.

When designing a K system we rarely specify a movie player (one dvd stream) for every video zone. For 12-16 zones I would be looking for 5-6 movie players. Is there any chance to have more than 6 movies playing simultaneously?

The second question depends again on the system design but again the common method on K systems is to use a matrix switcher. In your case probably the switcher will have 16 component inputs (according to how many sources you would like to distribute) and 16 outputs for your displays. Any source can be routed to any display or to multiple displays simultaneously.

The above are general guidelines but you really have to consult a pro in your area as there are various methods to distribute HD video around the house and various equipment to do it.

For such a system I will repeat that you really have to let a pro integrator design and install it. Please note that such a system will definetely require AMX or Crestron for control.

charris is right. At that level of scope you would be much better off with a video distribution system. If you are going to do a control system to manage the system then I would recommend either Autopatch or Crestron. Both are excellent. We use them all the time and they work exceedingly well. I personally prefer Crestron as their room solution box does more than just transmit balanced video over cat5.

http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&type=residential&model=CNX-PVID8X3

http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=jump&model=cnxrmc

http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=jump&model=cnxrmclv

As mentioned I think it would be a good idea to find a local systems integrator to help you with your project.

Coldmachine,

I have a k system at my home and also one at our showroom.

We have tried various different dvd servers but we refuse to install anything else other than Kaleidescape.

All the other have minor/major problems which make them a no for us as we want as few service call as possibles.

I do believe that enterprise level storage is quite difficult for the av companies to implement and also a reliable software and gui interface is quite difficult to be written. Nonetheless I expect some of the other dvd server companies to become more reliable and reach the K's functionality soon.

What other options are you looking except k? What is your opinion about them?

Thanks guys.

Sorry if my brevity gave the impression that I was unaware of the need for a professional installation. The questions were actually a subset of another issue regarding data distribution so remain specific in nature. Im not positive that the max HD stream number is a simple division of data rate and bandwidth as there may be other issues,possibly legal, with multiple HD stream distribution that will limit the stream count

A K system will form only a small part of the project, the main focus will remain the main HT and Games/media room with thier projection systems.

K have been rather slow in information exchange so I thought that some forum members who are aware of what Im doing may have been able to answer.

There are, however, some areas where i will need some advice and will be posting in due course and would welcome any input offered.

In good news, there's been some real activity on matrix HDMI switchers, some via dual ethernet, so if you find any new or interesting solutions, do post! i was looking at a few, but need to find them again and can post if you want.

In good news, there's been some real activity on matrix HDMI switchers, some via dual ethernet, so if you find any new or interesting solutions, do post! i was looking at a few, but need to find them again and can post if you want.

Cool, i'd appreciate that and will reciprocate as appropriate.

The lastest email from KScape indicated 5 streams over Gig network at release but that they were working on a method to get that up towards 20 streams at some point in the future.

As others have already pointed out, it is one stream per player but some lateral thought on the install can be used to reduce the number of players or increase the distribution of the final output as required.

Only question now is BD players before Christmas or after ;)

Neil

The lastest email from KScape indicated 5 streams over Gig network at release but that they were working on a method to get that up towards 20 streams at some point in the future.

As others have already pointed out, it is one stream per player but some lateral thought on the install can be used to reduce the number of players or increase the distribution of the final output as required.

Only question now is BD players before Christmas or after ;)

Neil

Thanks. 5 sounds great.

Hi CM,

Looks like I'm coming to the party "late." FWIW, I agree with all earlier posts, and have nothing new to add. I'm sure whatever you've got cooking there will work out just fine.:)

Jim

Hi CM,

Looks like I'm coming to the party "late." FWIW, I agree with all earlier posts, and have nothing new to add. I'm sure whatever you've got cooking there will work out just fine.:)

Jim

Im basically getting my act together for my new house. Im still sorting out my requirements atm. Basically one 20ft fp, one 12ft fp, 12-16 HD video zones and around 30 for audio.

Im still at the embryonic stage and will be posting more fully for advice and ideas fairly soon.

Just an FYI that Crestron should be releasing an HDMI version of their Matrix switcher this summer. It looks like they will have wall terminated plates on the display side which look quite nice.